Leiden University Student Platform

The Leiden University Student Platform (LUS) advises the Executive Board on matters of education and student affairs. The platform is also responsible for the awarding of the Leiden Teaching prize (Leidse Onderwijsprijs). All students are entitled to play an active role in the LUS.

The LUS was established in 2013 with the aim of providing advice to the Executive Board, primarily via the Vice-Rector who is the portfolio holder for teaching and student affairs. It consists of eight members, one for each faculty, and a chairperson.

The platform brings together different groups of students for ad hoc thematic meetings, which address current issues arising from Leiden’s teaching agenda. It also organises breakfast meetings during which students can speak with members of the Executive Board.

The LUS is responsible for organising and awarding the Leiden Teaching Prize, which is presented during the annual Dies Natalis celebrations to the Leiden lecturer who has made the greatest contribution to teaching within the university.

Nominate your teacher

Do you have a great teacher who inspires you through innovative classes and interactive teaching? Why don’t you nominate him or her for the Leiden Teaching Prize! The winner will be admitted to the Leiden Teachers’ Academy and receive 25,000 euros towards teaching or research costs.

Let us know why your teacher deserves to win by submitting a nomination form before 1 December. Four students must support each nomination. Your nominee must:

be actively engaged in improving education and his/her own teaching.

have creative ideas about new ways of lecturing and assessment.

have a clear affinity with his/her discipline and communicates this to students by creating links to the labour market, current affairs and research.

guide students in their personal development.

motivate students and encourage active participation in lectures.

After this initial phase there are three subsequent rounds during which you can again nominate your teacher.

If you want to know more about the nomination procedure please contact the LUS chairperson via: lus@sea.leidenuniv.nl.

LUS holds frequent thematic meetings during which specific issues are discussed with members of the Executive Board. The themes of recent meetings have included diversity, inspirational education and the short-term future of the university.

LUS also arranges breakfast clubs during which students can discuss educational matters with the Vice-Rector. These take place approximately every six weeks.

All Leiden University students are welcome to attend LUS meetings and breakfast clubs. Most are held in Dutch but can be switched to English upon request. There are also occasional meetings specifically intended for international students.